2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumInside ‘Mitt,’ Netflix’s All-Access Mitt Romney Documentary
The documentary Mitt, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and being released on Netflix on Jan. 24, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Romneys failed 2008 and 2012 campaigns. But what does it tell us about the man who could have been president?
Its 11:15 on election night 2012, and things are looking grim for team Romney. The family of seven, along with several campaign aides, is huddled together in a cramped hotel suite. Theres Ann Romney, tears welling in her eyes, along with the familys five strapping sons. In the center of the room is Mitt Romney. The Republican candidate for President of the United States is casually lounging on a cheap beige couch.
It seems awfully early to call it 69 percent? he asks, followed by a nervous chuckle. By the way, does somebody have a number for the president? An aide assures Romney that they do. OK, good. Hadnt thought about that! More awkward chuckling. So what do you think you say in a concession speech? he says, scanning the room. Dead silence. The camera homes in on the face of Romneys eldest son, Tagg, who looks like hes been hit by a Mack truck. Romney, himself, looks stunned. His right hand is shaking uncontrollably.
The documentary Mitt, which will debut at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, follows Romneys two failed presidential runs, beginning in Christmas 2006 through to his Presidential concession speech in 2012. Filmmaker Greg Whiteley (New York Doll) was granted unprecedented access to the Romney camp, trailing the ex-governor of Massachusetts for six years and capturing many private, behind-the-scenes moments with political advisers and family members.
After the election night letdown the film jumps back to Christmas 2006. The Romney family members are seated on couches inside their ritzy winter vacation home, where their father is polling the kids on the pros and cons of a potential presidential run.
It would be a shame not to at least try, says a teary-eyed Tagg. And if you dont win? Well still love you. The country may think of you as a laughingstock, and well know the truth. And thats okay. But I think you have a duty to your countryand to Godto see what comes of it.
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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/17/inside-mitt-netflix-s-all-access-mitt-romney-documentary.html
upaloopa
(11,417 posts)Every word of their campaign was a lie.
I thought that they had the intelligence to figure out that the majority wasn't buying it but no. The whole right that we fight against is living in a world that exists in their collective fantasy.
trusty elf
(7,349 posts)"The country may think of you as a laughingstock, and we'll know the truth."?
That seems a very awkward and embarrassing thing to say to your dad.
Aristus
(66,093 posts)Certainly, it was awkward and embarrassing statements that sunk Rmoney's campaign.
Guy Whitey Corngood
(26,482 posts)all like "fuck you old man!".
trusty elf
(7,349 posts)Weird! Par for the course though for a man who used to don police uniforms and hassle people.
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NCLefty
(3,678 posts)During that interview, Mitt was asked by ABC News' Diane Sawyer if he had a message for the president.
"Well, start packing. That's what I'd like to say."
davidpdx
(22,000 posts)It looks interesting. I've been reading Double Down by Mark Halprin and the book also provides some background on both campaigns.